Everton have managed to regain a spot in the top four of the Premier League thanks to a 2-1 victory over Wigan Athletic at Goodison Park.
Goals from Leon Osman and Phil Jagielka had set the Toffees on their way to a comfortable victory, before Arouna Kone struck to set up a nervy finish.
However, David Moyes's men managed to see out victory and leapfrog Arsenal in the standings.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look to see if the result was fair.
Match statistics
Everton
Shots: 17
On Target: 3
Possession: 47%
Corners: 11
Fouls: 10
Wigan
Shots: 11
On Target: 3
Possession: 53%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 12
Was the result fair?
Yes. It was a scrappy affair in which the Latics competed well, but they can have no real complaints about losing. Everton just about merited the three points.
Everton's performance
6/10. The Toffee struggled to get going in the first period. Their passing was sloppy at times, and they looked a bit vulnerable at the back. They began to get their act together with around five minutes of the first period remaining, and carried that momentum with them into the second half. They took the lead through Leon Osman, but not without a huge slice of luck, as the ball was diverted past Ali Al-Habsi via the hand of James McCarthy. The points looked certain when Phil Jagielka nodded home Phil Neville's cross with around 15 minutes remaining, but slack defending allowed Arouna Kone to set up a nervy finish. Despite coming under pressure, the Everton defence held firm and managed to see out victory, but this was by far from a vintage performance.
Wigan's performance?
6/10. The Latics sat back early on, willing Everton to attack. They held their shape well and looked to hit the Blues on the counter attack. It worked well, as they looked threatening going forward. However, they failed to create anything substantial. Their reaction to going a goal down was spirited. Their passing began to zip across the turf and they generally looked more energised. Going two goals down didn't deter them either, as Kone reduced the deficit more or less immediately. They pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but a lack of guile in and around the penalty box proved to be their ultimate undoing. Shaun Maloney was the only man providing a creative influence, while James McCarthy worked tirelessly in the middle of the park alongside David Jones.
Referee's performance
Lee Mason let a few early challenges go. Others may have reached for the cards, but he was not as hasty. He also got two penalty decisions right. However, he blew the whistle needlessly at times and that contrived to make it a stop/start game at times. It wasn't a terrible performance, but it could have been a lot better.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Leon Osman: The England international was involved in most of Everton's attacking play and managed to get his name on the scoresheet.
Biggest gaffe
Nikica Jelavic hasn't been having the best of times recently. He looked short on confidence when presented with an opportunity immediately after Osman had given Everton the lead. However, the Croatian fluffed his lines and the chance went begging.
What's next?
Everton: The Toffees welcome Chelsea - managed by former foe Rafael Benitez - to Goodison Park on Sunday.
Wigan: The Latics make the trip to the Midlands to face Aston Villa on Saturday.
Michael Penkman
